video; Open

[wiggleon]

Name: Aziraphale
Date: Octeuril 24th
Format: Voice

[Aziraphale has practiced... A Lot before actually making this post, so the camera is only a little bit shaky instead of the complete and messy failure that would be expected of him. It's not that he can't learn how to use new technologies! He just would rather not have to when older technologies suit him just fine.

Apparently, he's realized there really isn't another way to go in this place. Considering he has a small collection of discarded gifted smartphones that he's never used back home, that is no small feat.]

So, I've been- that is to say-

[...Once an awkward angel, always an awkward angel. But also a fairly determined, stubborn one, so:]

I've been thinking I'd like to open a bookshop in this place. I had one back home, you see, curated the books for centuries- but I can't just sit around and mope about it, can I? So I figured I could start my own collection here.

[If it sounds like he's talking about a private collection instead of what's supposed to be a bookshop it's because he kind of is.]

But then I thought- or rather, it was suggested to me- that perhaps some sort of library where people could happily peruse the books would be better. And then I started thinking about things people could do while they read the books, and I figured- who doesn't enjoy a cup of tea and a nice pastry?

[A bright smile! And the little wiggle of happiness that Aziraphale always does when he's talking about his favorite foods.]

But even though I can make a nice cup of tea, thanks to years of practice... I'm no baker! And I'm a bit messy in the kitchen, so that's out of the question. So I was wondering if anyone would like to collaborate in this endeavor? Perhaps you've got some books you've got no use for anymore, or experience shelving them, or know how to bake?

Any help would be welcome, really. [He's not used to taking such big risks without miracles to back him up.]

Comments

video;

[selfishwish]

Mm, I'm a really good taste-tester!

[Says the grinning rabbit-kid on camera.

What? It's pretty much the most important role for a cafe! It's market testing! Aziraphale would have to be mad to pass up his obvious expertise.]

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale chuckles, covering his mouth with his hand.]

An important role for sure. But I'm afraid I'm going to need someone to actually give you things to taste first, don't you think?

[selfishwish]

Sure! But when you do, I'm available to work pro bono!

[He puffs out his chest and nods very seriously, to further indicate the eminent professionalism behind this offer.

...and marginally more seriously:]

If you need help with errands or anything, I can do that, too! I know a bunch of the shops around the city by now.

voice

[showsnopiety]

I have been doing pizza orders, but I assume that's a little out there for quiet tea.

What kind of baking? I'm more familiar with Italian baking and Japanese.

[wiggleon]

Oh, I would love to try said orders but that's much too greasy to keep around the books as well!

[He's already probably going to have a hundred freak outs a day having food so close to his books, no need to make it even worse by having pizza around.]

I love both! Sfogliatella in particular could go over really well with a book if people are careful about the feeling, do you know how to bake those?

video - username: los

[divagari]

What sorts of books do you curate?

I've little knowledge of baking, but a decent knack for poetry.

[wiggleon]

Well... back home I was particularly proud of my collection of first edition books about prophecies and the like. But that was back home.

[He hums a little bit.] I suppose I'll have to focus on something else in this place, prophecies aren't as big a thing in this place, or so it'd seem.

Have you written any poems here?

video;

[thisisamazing]

That sounds great! I can't wait to see it. [Hiccup is excited for him!! A book shop!! That won't sell books.] I, uh, I can't bake or anything, and I'm not really looking for a job, but if you need a financial investment to get started, let me know! I've got, uh, more money than I really know what to do with and I'd love to put some to good use.

video;

[wiggleon]

Oh!

[Hiccup has given him so much already- his friendship, a sword, letting him pet a dragon! He can't possible ask for more.]

I appreciate it, my dear boy, you're far too kind. But I'd probably not have a way to return it, I don't expect to be making a lot of money out of this. I simply want a place for people to read books in peace, really.

[towards_okeanos]

[Witness a seven-foot giant with flaming red hair getting excited like a child.]

Ha! A bookstore?!! What a brilliant idea! Sadly, I don't have any books I can part with. I do move around the city a lot though. I can ask around.

[Iskandar is right there with you on the book collecting habit, angel. And that actually makes him think about one more thing...]

I am no baker but you know, I... think I could probably recite any play of Aristophanes from memory. I am absolutely sure I can do that with Homer.

A place to come and discuss books with others would be most delightful!

[wiggleon]

[That's an option Aziraphale hadn't considered... his memory won't be able to perfectly replicate some of the classics, for sure, but perhaps it would be close enough?]

That's- that's a brilliant idea actually! It wouldn't be the same, not exactly, but it'd be a wonderful way to share books with others. I'm sure I could do the same with religious texts, as well, and some of Shakespeare's plays-

[Which makes him pause for a second.]

If you know those names you must come from a similar world as mine, then.

[blackbonded]

That sounds like a great idea. If you're still in need, I'd like to help.

I can't say I'm a baker but I can at least help with the shelves.

[wiggleon]

Oh, I will take any help I can get. I don't- I have to be honest, there is a lot I will need help with. This is a rough draft of an idea, at most.

[There's a lot he just solved with the power of miracles back home. He may have underestimated how much work he'd have to do in a functionally-human body.]

I really appreciate the help. I don't think we've met before?

voice;

[gunsmithed]

[ Well that's a very quick way to get a nerd's attention. ]

I can't help you with the baking, but I'd be very interested to see your collection.

[wiggleon]

You'd be welcomed to, of course! It isn't that big of a collection right now though. It took centuries to build the one I had back home, and even though I hope I won't be here for that long it'll still take a while.

But I am not to back away from a challenge. Especially not if it involves books.

Video

[rollfordiplomacy]

Aziraphale, old boy, great minds do so think alike. [Everett chuckles, before elaborating]

I've just recently inquired with the Coven, myself. I'm hoping to acquire a space for a tea and flower shop. My newly acquired magic has been most successful in creating both by my hand. Only a natural extension to make a living from it. [a wink]

A bookshop and patisserie would be an ideal neighbor! I have my eye on a location with an outdoor porch, within the Haven. The building besides it, sharing the porch, seems to also have a vacancy. I might suggest you look into the space. Perhaps we could be in business beside the other.

[wiggleon]

Everett! Oh, dear, that'd be such a wonderful idea.

[He'll be honest: he's a little over his head when it comes to actually handling everything that comes with owning a business. He may have had one back home but it was mostly for him to play around with, thanks to his miracles he never had to do the hard job that comes with it.]

I was simply testing the waters, so to speak because I'm aware I cannot do this on my own, so I hadn't looked at any buildings seriously yet. It would be lovely if we could be neighbors, of a kind!

Video;

[firewalled]

I hope you can find some help! I can probably help move shit in when it's ready to go, but I don't know if I'd be much help running a store like that. I'm not exactly a librarian.

Wrote some poetry when I was younger, though. If you're really desperate for material to sell.

[He's joking please do not take him up on that]

[wiggleon]

Neither am I, honestly. It will take a lot of help, but I'm sure I'll figure it out- a lot of people are offering their help! I'm quite excited.

Perhaps not to sell it, but I would definitely like to see said poetry if you're amenable to it. [It's going ON THE FRIDGE.]

video;

[judgementor]

[When there's someone requesting help, it's a Food Soul's first instinct to reach out and see what they might be able to do to help. Red Wine is no baker, either - his tastes are too simple for pastries and cakes to be included - but that doesn't mean he couldn't be of some service, here...]

I have a keen appreciation for literature. I'd be more than happy to assist in shelving what you're able to collect so far... and to seek out anything you might be looking for.

video;

[wiggleon]

Would you, really? I could use as much help as possible collecting- particularly now in the beginning. I have been collecting a few books, but if I wish to actually gather some regulars I'm going to need a bigger collection.

What's your favorite type of literature?

Video

[ishisstrength]

I think that's a wonderful idea. I happen to be a fan of both pastries and books.

[She has a small library in her room.]

I'd be happy to help you with baking and with finding books though I don't know if I'd want to part with my personal collection.

Video

[wiggleon]

That is quite alright, I wouldn't wish to part with my collection either. But any help would be welcomed- I'm afraid I'm quite over my head with this, if I'm honest.

video;

[chosenside]

I'm not much of a baker myself, but if you need any assistance in setting up your bookshop-- personal library, I'd be happy to help you. Really, the idea of tea and a quiet place to read is rather charming.

[Who would complain about something like that? Theseus sure wouldn't. And really, as much as he likes going out and engaging with others, a place to just read in a small bookshop is also quite appealing.]

You'd probably see me in quite often.

video;

[wiggleon]

And I'd welcome you there gladly, of course.

I could use help, indeed. I have a building in mind- a friend helped me find it, it seems to have the perfect kitchen and a lot of space for the books so that's taken care of. Now it's just a matter of growing my little collection.